December 18. Fear, Fertilizer And Fascination.

Neil Sedaka made famous, "Breaking up is hard to do." As a leader, I am sure that we can attest to that. Whether a leader leaves or a team member leaves, our emotions are going to affect us. Specifically, it is fear that is probably going to rear its head at some point.

But our ability to focus on value is an attitude that leaders can engage at a moment’s notice. It is our attitude of curiosity that might just be a way to transform fear into fascination. Just for a second, think about what fears you had when someone left or those that you had as you left as leader.

Now, remember how valuable that person was, even if it was you. Did you remember how they helped your family, your team, your organization, and yourself individually? I would bet that you can remember at least three ways they helped in each of these categories.

Sometimes it is fear that keeps people’s value from increasing. Fear stagnates us by sticking around too long and our growth is restricted. Like a plant in the ground that does not get nutrients from the soil, people will not grow when they cannot get value from your team, your organization, or family.

Who might need some nutrients, some value on your team right now? That person just might be experiencing some fear and the value proposition will be affected if that is true. You might just transform fear to fascination by seeking or enhancing their value. What is the first thing that you can do in the next seven days?

Our faith does not eliminate the world’s events or attitudes of fear that we will experience. But if our attitude of providing value transforms fear into fascination, we can remember our value proposition. We read, “I have tried hard to find you— do not let me wander from your commands.” Psalms 119:10 NLT.

Our value, Jesus Christ, does not leave us, ever. Never, never, never does he leave us. Sure, we might wander away, we might go where the soil is not fertile. We mistakenly put roots down where the nutrients are weak, where the Son is not shining, and the living water does not fall around us.

But if our focus is on his value in our lives, let's face the fear of our failures and rejoice. It is time to change! Pull up your roots and transplant somewhere else when this happens. Get some fertilizer brought in or cut down the trees to let the Son shine.

You just might be the best forester, the best fertilizer or transplant this week. What is the first thing that you can do about it in the next seven days? 

Let us pray, Heavenly Father, thank you for such wonderful gifts. Thank you for a fertile earth and refreshing water. And thank you for never ever taking your Son away from us. May we be inspired to transform fear into fascination. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen,